FIGC president refutes Simonelli’s claims Milan-Como Australia game is confirmed

The FIGC president Gabriele Gravina seems to have walked back Serie A president Ezio Simonelli’s claims about AC Milan vs. Como being in Australia.

In recent days, more and more doubts have been arising about the plan to play the first ever European league match abroad. The Athletic suggested that everything is far from done and that if anything it now seems to be unlikely to happen.

This is because of pressure from FIFA but also the demands of the Asian Football Confederation, which were not expected to be accepted. Yet, before the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final between Napoli and Milan last night, president Ezio Simonelli claimed that the game will happen in Perth.

Gravina’s response

So, everything will be official soon, right? Apparently not, because FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has spoken at a post-council press conference and has responded to last night’s claims, with Calciomercato.com relayed his words.

“The federation has expressed its willingness to support the decision, which falls within the autonomy of the Serie A League, to support the match in Australia. We will have the opportunity to reflect on Asian refereeing and fair competition.

“It’s a topic that deserves some reflection, which I will do with the Serie A League. For now, no official communication has arrived regarding the fact that the match will be played in Perth.

“I wouldn’t call the choice of the Asian refereeing team illegitimate. Simonelli is so careful about respecting the rules that it becomes a strong term. But with the Asian confederations, the Australian one, and our federation, we need to find a balance.”